Errors hurting Cubs’ starters

MILWAUKEE — Cubs starting pitchers have some pretty good numbers despite combining for a 3-10 record.

Scott Feldman suffered the defeat in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Brewers, working 5 innings and giving up 4 runs, but just 1 earned. The 3 unearned runs came as the result of Feldman’s fielding. His error prolonged the third inning and preceded a 3-run homer by slugger Ryan Braun.

Feldman has 3 errors this season, but he lowered the starters’ ERA from 3.19 to 3.13. Entering the game, Cubs starters had the fifth-lowest ERA in the National League. Poor fielding has resulted in 14 of the 74 runs all Cubs pitchers have allowed to be unearned.

Feldman is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA. He is the only Cubs starter without a quality start.

“It was probably pretty sharp,” manager Dale Sveum said of Feldman’s outing. “Three walks, but it wasn’t like he was real bad. He was just missing. But other than that, I thought things were pretty crisp coming out of his hand today.”

Feldman had not started since April 11 because of tightness in his back.

“My back’s fine, no issues,” he said. “I felt perfectly healthy. I felt like I’m supposed to be pitching. It just came down to an error and a mistake I made.”

Rehab updates:Pitcher Matt Garza threw a bullpen session at Miller Park. He will head out to Class AA Tennessee for a minor-league rehab start Wednesday.Garza is recovering from a left-lat strain, suffered early in spring training. The Cubs are hoping for an early- to mid-May return for Garza.Third baseman Ian Stewart got off to a 1-for-13 start with 8 strikeouts in his rehab at Class AAA Iowa. Stewart is on the mend from a left-quad strain, suffered early in the spring.#147;We#146;re not in any big hurry,#148; Dale Sveum said. #147;(Luis) Valbuena has been one of our most consistent players defensively and offensively, on-base percentage, getting his walks. There#146;s no real urgency. (Stewart#146;s) got to go down there and get hot swinging the bat.#148;